Psilocin (4-hydroxy-dimethyltryptamine, 4-HO-DMT), an aromatic compound, sometimes also (mis)spelled psilocine, psilocyn, or psilotsin, is a psychedelic (hallucinogenic) mushroomalkaloid. It is found in most psychedelic mushrooms together with its phosphorylated counterpart psilocybin. Psilocin is a Schedule I drug under the Convention on Psychotropic Substances.[1] The mind altering effects of psilocin are highly variable and subjective. The effects typically last anywhere from 3 to 8 hours depending on certain variables (such as metabolism, food interaction), however the effects can seem to last much longer due to psilocin's ability to distort the perception of time.

Psilocin is relatively unstable in solution due to its phenolichydroxy (-OH) group. In the presence of oxygen it readily forms bluish and dark black degradation products. Similar products are also formed under acidic conditions in the presence of oxygen and Fe3+ions (Keller's reagent).

Pharmacology

Psilocin is the pharmacologically active agent in the body after ingestion of psilocybin or some species of psychedelic mushrooms.

Psilocybin is rapidly dephosphorylated in the body to psilocin which acts as a 5HT2A, 5HT2C and 5HT1Aagonist. Psilocin is structurally similar to serotonin (5-HT)[5], differing only by the hydroxyl group being on the 4-position rather than the 5 and the dimethyl groups on the nitrogen. Its effects are thought to come from its ability to mimic serotonin at 5-HT2Aserotonin receptors in the brain.

Psilocin has no significant effect on dopamine receptors (unlike LSD) and only affects the noradrenergic system at very high dosages.[6]